Beijingers now spend less time at work, on leisure than in 1996

People in Beijing are not only spending less time at work than they did 20 years ago, but also less time on leisure activities, according to a survey released on Wednesday.

Average daily working hours stood at six hours and two minutes last year, 27 minutes less than in 1996, according to the Annual Report on China's Leisure Development, compiled by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Tourism Research Center.

The findings are based on questionnaires completed by about 830 residents in Beijing last year and more than 430 in 1996.

The survey also found that the average time respondents spent on daily necessities, such as sleeping and eating, increased by 82 minutes to 11 hours and 58 minutes.

The time spent sleeping rose by 43 minutes to eight hours and 58 minutes, while time for eating increased by 29 minutes to one hour and 56 minutes. Women were found to spend more time sleeping, in 2016 and 1996, according to the report.

The change in how people spend their time is linked to several factors, according to Wang Qiyan, director of the Renmin University of China's Leisure Economy Research Center and the study leader.

"The development and improvement of science and technology have led to a surge in production efficiency, which enables people to work less and rest more," said Wang, who is a professors in statistics.

"In addition, after decades of continuous, high-speed economic growth since reform and opening-up in 1978, the economy has gradually slowed in recent years. And people have also changed to their own pace of living and tried to enjoy life."

The survey also found that housework, including shopping, cooking and tidying up, takes up less time for Beijing residents than in the past, although the one hour and 47 minutes a day spent on housework last year is only five minutes less than 20 years ago.

Wang said the emergence of online shopping and the development of the logistics sector have provided more convenience to residents and contributed to less time for housework.

The wide use of electrical appliances, such as microwave ovens, and the increasing popularity of takeout food have greatly reduced the time people spend cooking meals, Wang added.